Pope Leo XIV offered heartfelt prayers during his General Audience following one of Austria’s darkest tragedies: the mass shooting at a high school in Graz. For Catholics worldwide, the Holy Father’s response is a solemn reminder of the Church’s mission to intercede for the suffering and to uphold the dignity of every human life—especially the young.
This tragedy strikes at the heart of Catholic concern for the innocent. On June 10, a 21-year-old former student opened fire at Dreierschützengasse High School, killing 10 people—including children—and injuring dozens more. As Kielce Gussie reported, it marks one of the most devastating outbreaks of violence in Austria’s modern history.
Speaking to the faithful on Wednesday, Pope Leo said, “My thoughts are with the families, the teachers, and the students,” and implored God to “welcome these children into His peace.” His words, according to Vatican News, echo the Church’s deep grief over the loss of young lives and its ongoing prayer for those left behind.
In response to the tragedy, Austria has declared three days of national mourning. Chancellor Christian Stocker called it “a dark day in the history of our country,” describing the shooting as “unimaginable violence” and a “national tragedy that has shocked us all.” According to Kielce Gussie, these sentiments reflect a nation reeling from loss, as well as a renewed call for unity and healing.
The global community, too, has reacted with sorrow and resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said schools should be “symbols of youth, hope and the future,” and that “it is hard to bear when schools become places of death and violence.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added, “Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn free from fear and violence.”
For Catholics, the Pope’s call to prayer is more than a gesture of mourning—it is a spiritual act of solidarity. The Church stands with the victims, their families, and all those affected, imploring the Lord to bring peace in the midst of horror. In times of sorrow, the words of Christ remain our anchor: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
